Strong relationships are built over time, through shared experiences, open dialogue, and a commitment to working together. This spirit of collaboration was evident in recent weeks as Franklin Switzerland joined the Municipality of Sorengo in marking both the conclusion of a remarkable chapter and the beginning of a new one.
Franklin representatives were honored to attend the farewell celebration for Sorengo’s Segretario comunale, Arnaldo Bernasconi, recognizing 37 years of service to the municipality and its residents. The occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on a career dedicated to public service and community stewardship, while expressing gratitude for the many years of collaboration between the municipality and the university.
At the same time, the event marked a moment of transition. Franklin looks forward to working with Samanta Ciannamea, recently appointed to the role, and to continuing the constructive partnership that has long connected the university and the Municipality of Sorengo.
That partnership was on display earlier this spring when, on 29 April 2026, Franklin welcomed representatives of the Municipality of Sorengo to campus for an evening dedicated to dialogue, exchange, and exploring future opportunities for collaboration.
Members of the municipal administration, municipal council, and local political groups were invited to discover the campus through a guided tour of Franklin’s North Campus, the Kaletsch Campus, and the McNeely Center for Ideas and Imagination. The visit provided an opportunity to share not only the university’s physical spaces but also the vibrant academic community that brings together students and faculty from around the world while remaining deeply connected to Sorengo and the Lugano region.
The evening continued at the P. Gregory Warden Student Center, where Interim President David Mills, Vice President for Finance and Administration Tomaso Rizzi, and Director of Institutional Planning and Secretary to the Board, Leslie Tedoldi presented an overview of Franklin’s role within the region. Discussions explored the university’s educational mission, its contribution as an economic enterprise, its impact on the local community, and opportunities for future engagement between the university and public institutions.
More importantly, the gathering created space for conversation. Participants exchanged perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing both higher education and local communities, identifying areas where stronger collaboration could benefit residents, students, and the broader region alike.
As an international institution rooted in Sorengo, Franklin Switzerland values opportunities to engage with local leaders and public institutions. Whether celebrating the contributions of those who have served the community for decades or welcoming new opportunities for collaboration, Franklin remains committed to fostering meaningful relationships that strengthen the connection between campus and community.